Hobby #1

Knowing that I have multiple options to write in this blog, I caught myself thinking: "what should I write to start the blog? Should I be specific and talk about a mental health or health issue, or should I write something less objective that also helps the reader to know me a little better?"

Well, after a moment of mediation, I decided that the first entry would be the first of a series of entries dedicated to my hobbies. It doesn't mean that you will have to read all my hobbies all at once. I will include them when I feel like talking about them, and this is the way I will do with mental health and general health tips and my other and general thoughts.

Well, let's get started!

Hobby #1 is photography:

I wish I could have more time for photographing because when I do, I really feel that it is also very therapeutic. I feel calm, inspired, connected to my subjects and surroundings (people, views, architecture, art, nature etc). Aren't these three feelings a great tools to make us feel good? What can be better than feel calm, inspired and connected?

Another feature of photographing that I like is that is an action not always based on what is planned:"I like this! Oh, let me take a picture!"  No, sometimes the scene is there and you barely have time to catch it; it drives you to the unexpected...and this is challenging!  To be challenged also contributes to us to feel good.  Well, I understand some of you may think the opposite and really don't feel that great when you are challenged.  But, this is a perspective that may change if you look from different angles.  My angle is: challenging situations may cause a stress and some anxiety while you are in it but after, it makes you feel good! Even when you think you failed, it should feels good because you tried and you DID YOUR BEST TO DO IT!  In this perspective, your response is more important than the challenge itself.  Think: if you really do your best, doesn't it make you feel good?

So, for today I will leave here these four words:

- calm

- inspiration

- connection

- challenge

These will be my words for you today to reflect how these aspects are in your life and how do you connect with them. Leave a note back, whenever you feel like.

To finish, I would like to share a picture that I took in my last vacation in June of last year, in Chapada Diamantina National Park, Brazil. kids celebrating "São Pedro" in Conceição dos Gatos, Chapada Diamantina, Brazil - June 2011. I was with my husband and friends from Chapada enjoying an amazing festivity in honor to "São Pedro." The festivity was marked by aspects of traditional culture in a mix of prayers, music, dance, food, and so many other forms of community life!  I thank all the people that make this yearly festival possible and my friends' invitation to a such fabulous night!